Danny Kanell calls out AP voter over controversial ballot

Jeff Hauser

•
Danny Kanell calls out AP voter over controversial ballot image

The Associated Press Top 25 ballot is once again at the center of debate. And this time former Florida State quarterback and CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell is adding fuel to the fire. 

After Week 3's action, a handful of voters drew criticism for leaving South Florida off their ballots despite the Bulls’ 18-16 upset win at Florida just one day earlier. The most noticeable example came from Haley Sawyer, whose ballot placed Florida at No. 14. 

The Gators ultimately fell outside the official Top 25 with only 70 points, while South Florida landed at No. 18 following back-to-back wins over ranked opponents. The decision to elevate the Gators while leaving USF off altogether baffled fans who expected head-to-head results to carry more weight.

Kanell seized on the controversy Tuesday, posting on social media that Sawyer’s ballot was “a rough look” considering the circumstances. 

“I don’t want to put her on blast too much because I know college football fans can be ruthless but this is a rough look for AP voter Haley Sawyer,” Kanell wrote. “Don’t single her out though because she’s not the only one with an embarrassingly bad ballot!! #DefendYourVote.” His remarks captured the frustration many fans have long expressed about inconsistencies in individual ballots.

Sawyer’s ballot drew further criticism for additional head-scratching decisions. She ranked Baylor but excluded Auburn, despite the Tigers entering the official poll at No. 24 and owning a head-to-head win over Baylor in the season opener. She also slotted South Carolina in the top 10 while leaving Vanderbilt unranked, even though Vanderbilt had just routed common opponent Virginia Tech more convincingly than the Gamecocks.

While AP voters are independent, the organization has said ballots should prioritize head-to-head results. With more than 60 ballots combined each week, there's bound to be a few outliers. 

Ultimately, it’s still early in the season. But this isn't a good look for integrity.

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:  

Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.